Football news

Brazil coach Dunga insists his playing rivalry with Argentina coach Maradona will have no bearing on tomorrow's World Cup qualifier between the South American giants.

Both players captained their countries to World Cup wins and also played against each other in the 1990 World Cup but this weekend marks their first clash as coaches.

"We each had our history as a player and we are now taking steps as coaches," he said.

As players, the pair could not have been any different. Dunga was a defensive midfielder while Maradona was a creative forward but the Brazilian said that was also irrelevant.

"Each one has his characteristics and way of being, different from the other. I'm not concerned about the others, I'm concerned with the Brazilian team," he said.

China's Zheng signs for Celtic

China captain Zheng Zhi has signed a two-year contract with Scottish club Celtic, state media said yesterday. The 29-year-old midfielder signed with the Glasgow club for £10,000 a week.

Zheng was a free agent after his contract at Charlton expired at the end of last season.

Newly hired Celtic coach Tony Mowbray was keen to sign Zheng when he was manager at West Bromwich Albion and is finally set to get his man, subject to a work permit being granted.

Football, rugby vie for Franchi stadium

Football and rugby are involved in a bizarre tug of war over Fiorentina's Franchi stadium due to a fixture clash.

The Italian FA announced that the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Parma would be held on November 21.

However, the date and stadium have already been booked for a rugby union international between Italy and South Africa, for which tickets are already on sale.

Neither Fiorentina nor Parma have commented on the clash but a spokesman for the Italian Rugby Federation said all parties, which includes the city of Florence, which owns the stadium, were working on a solution.

Madonna concert spoils Bulgaria pitch

Bulgaria have raised concerns over the state of the pitch at the Vasil Levski national stadium ahead of tomorrow's World Cup qualifier against Montenegro after fans attending a recent Madonna concert damaged the playing surface.

Bulgaria face the prospect of playing Montenegro in a Group Eight qualifier at the 44,000-capacity venue on a pitch that looks far from adequate for a high-profile game.

Bulgaria coach Stanimir Stoilov also blamed stadium officials for allowing last Saturday's Madonna concert to take place just a week before such an important match.

"These people have no idea how to take care of the pitch, the surface is completely destroyed," Stoilov said.

Spartak failed with Pavlyuchenko bid

Spartak Moscow were priced out of a move for Roman Pavlyuchenko after Tottenham put a £17.6 million price tag on the Russian striker.

With Spurs boss Harry Redknapp keen to keep the 27-year-old, it became clear on deadline day only a big offer would seal his departure.

"We offered £9 million for his immediate transfer," said club owner Valery Karpin.

"Or they could get £11.5 million through a loan deal - we would pay £1 million right away and the rest after a year's time.

"But Tottenham rejected our proposals. We were told that the price for Pavlyuchenko was £17.6 million. For us it would be absurd to pay that."

Van Nistelrooy targets World Cup place

Ruud van Nistelrooy wants to return to international football and is targeting a place in the Netherlands squad for the 2010 World Cup finals.

Van Nistelrooy announced his retirement from the international scene after Euro 2008 saying he wanted to focus on his club career, but the 33-year-old, who is back in action nine months after having surgery on his right knee, appears to have had a change of heart.

"I want to be important at Real Madrid and I believe I can be. This is my objective," he told sports daily Marca.

"I could have gone to another club with less pressure but I know I have the ability. Also, I want to fight so that the national team call me and to be able to play at the World Cup. I want to prove that an injury like this doesn't have to force you out of football."

Hull confirm Hesselink swoop

Hull have confirmed the signing of Jan Venegoor of Hesselink on a two-year deal.

The Dutchman was a free agent after leaving Celtic at the end of last season and therefore could sign for the Tigers outside the transfer window.

Hull chairman Paul Duffen claimed the club had beaten some "big clubs" in Europe to his signing.

"I'm delighted we have beaten off all the competition to bring him to the KC Stadium. We've definitely wanted an experienced, top-drawer striker who scores goals and Jan has scored prolifically in top leagues in Europe.

"He's been looking at other big clubs in Europe but the Premier League is where he wants to come and play with us."